Synthetic Enzyme-Catalyzed CO₂ Fixation Reactions

Area of Science:

• Biocatalysis
• Enzyme Engineering
• Green Chemistry

Background:

• Enzymes called (de)carboxylases catalyze reversible (de)carboxylation reactions.
• Proof-of-concept for (bio)synthetic carbon dioxide (CO2) fixation routes for chemical production has been established.
• Industrial application of CO2 fixation is limited by thermodynamic constraints.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review biocatalytic carboxylation methods for CO2 fixation.
• To highlight strategies for overcoming thermodynamic limitations.
• To discuss applications in synthetic CO2-fixation cascades.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on biocatalytic carboxylation.
• Analysis of strategies to alleviate thermodynamic constraints.
• Examination of synthetic CO2-fixation cascades.

Main Results:

• Diverse strategies have been developed to overcome thermodynamic barriers in CO2 fixation.
• Biocatalytic approaches offer potential for sustainable chemical production.
• The review emphasizes overcoming thermodynamic limitations for practical CO2 utilization.

Conclusions:

• Biocatalytic carboxylation holds promise for CO2 fixation in chemical synthesis.
• Overcoming thermodynamic constraints is crucial for industrial viability.
• Further development of CO2-fixation cascades is essential for advancing the field.